CNN reports on the upcoming release by The Residents that takes an unusual approach to music and digital media:
It contains two blank CDs so that the five episodes, which will be released sequentially during a 10-week period, can be burned after the last one becomes available. A unique code for each package allows users to unlock the subscription at riverofcrime.com.
The package is exclusively available at Virgin Megastore locations in the brick-and-mortar world and at idealcopy.com in cyberspace. A prerecorded version of the project is planned for wider release next year.
The episodes also can be downloaded individually as they are released at all digital music stores. Each episode is priced at $1.99.
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Customers purchasing the limited-edition digital subscription will also receive digital extras like ringtones and mobile wallpaper as well as materials that can be burned onto the blank CD-Rs, including alternate versions of the “River of Crime” artwork, scripts and instrumental soundtrack elements.
This is simply brilliant, although it remains to be seen whether it is a success or not.
This is a great example of how the music industry should embrace technology, offering consumers a reason not to pirate music rather than summarily criminalizing all consumers through the employment of draconian DRM. I can’t understand why RIAA and MPAA don’t get that they are alienating their best customers, who I believe will pay a reasonable price for a desirable product given the opportunity.
